Candid caller
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.DESPITE being badly hit by the recession, the British car industry is tuning up its welcoming smile for its super-showroom, the Motor Show, which opens at the NEC in Birmingham next week. So this week the Candid Caller pulled into a lay-by and got on the car phone to ask these questions: have you ever bought a British car, and do you know any good Skoda jokes?
Mr T Ford of Albert Dock, east London: 'I've had four Fords - Prefect, Cortina, Escort and Fiesta. They've all been good and I would definitely buy British again.
'What happens if you leave a Skoda parked with its windows open? People use it as a bottle bank.'
Mr M Cooper of Stockport: 'I had an Austin 1300 - it was very unreliable, particularly in the winter. I would buy British again, and I'll be going to this year's motor show to have a look at what's new. Actually, I was in a Skoda showroom the other day, and some of the cars are looking quite good now. Still . . .
'What do you call a soft-top Skoda? A skip.'
Mr B Leyland of Warrington: 'I don't drive now but I have had a Vauxhall, it was OK. I haven't got a Skoda joke for you - I never listen to trash like that.'
Mr A Morris of Harrogate: 'I once owned a Ford Capri and it was good news. I would buy a British car again if I could get one that I wanted, but I've got a Volvo now.
'How do you double the value of a Skoda? Fill up the tank with petrol.'
Mr M Minor of Stoke-on-Trent: 'I've had an Austin Maestro and now have a Montego MG. I've enjoyed both and will happily buy British again.
'Why do Skodas have heated rear windows? To keep your hands warm when you're pushing them.'
Mr H Hunter of Salisbury: 'I've had a Ford Anglia, Austin Cambridge and Maxi. The Anglia was a problem but it wouldn't stop me buying British again, I might buy a Rover. I don't go for Skoda jokes; I owned one once and quite liked it, it was a thoroughly reliable car.'
Mr R Royce of Norwood, south London: 'I had a Montego and although it wasn't a fashionable car, it was jolly good. Now we've got a Volvo - my wife's choice, not mine. I'm sorry: I think Skodas have been much maligned and I feel sorry for them.'
Mr A Bentley of Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex: 'I had a V4 Ford Corsair and a Humber Snipe Estate. The V4 was good, but had the inherent fault of most V engines with a down-draught carburettor: if it didn't fire first thing in the morning, it went straight into flood. There was no way of blowing the petrol out, you had to go indoors and have a cup of tea and wait for it to evaporate. But it was a good car.
'I've got a BMW now and to tell you the truth I'm well sold on them, so I don't think I would buy British again.
'This man went into a garage and asked: 'Would you give me a windscreen wiper for my Skoda?' The assistant replied: 'Sounds like a fair swap to me.' '
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments